Find your place and passion for pageantry with the SMHS Color Guard! Color Guard is music made visible. This non-instrumental ensemble leverages principles of ballet and modern dance to perform choreographed routines using traditional Color Guard movements and equipment (flags, rifles, shields, and more!). Color Guard participates independently, and with Marching Band in competitions, parades, and the annual Little Big Game Field Show, entertaining audiences with showmanship and a dazzling display of color. All grades are welcome in this zero period class. No audition or dance training required! San Mateo High's award-winning Color Guard considers itself part of the heart and soul of the Bearcat Marching Band during the fall, bringing to life the music played by the band. During competition band reviews, parades and on the football field during the halftime show at the "Little Big Game" against Burlingame High, Color Guard combines interpretive dance with banners, flags and rifles to help bring the field show to life. Then during post-football season the Guard morphs into Winter Guard, competing in competitions throughout Northern California during winter and spring. They develop a choreographed routine and tell a story using dance, equipment, and various props. Students in Color Guard also have the opportunity to accompany the music department on its annual spring trip. In 2025, we're headed to Disneyland!
Color Guard meeds during zero period and on Sunday afternoons during the school year. Students receive elective credit and become part of an ensemble that bonds them for life. Guard takes heart, determination, and dedication, but students will find they receive more than they ever thought possible! Guard life—Find your passion and home with the Bearcat Color Guard!